Mrs Tabitha Karanja, MBS is a Kenya entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor.
In 1997, she founded Keroche Breweries credited as the first non-multinational locally owned brewery that broke 80 years of a monopolized liquor market in Kenya. Several expansion phases currently place Keroche Breweries as the 2nd largest brewery in Kenya. Keroche’s 1 million hectoliter Naivasha Brewhouse is the first of its kind in East and Central Africa due to its latest 21st Century brewing technology.
Mrs. Karanja has been recognized for her contribution to the cause of local industrialization both in Kenya and abroad.
She was awarded Moran of the Burning Spear in 2009 by H.E President Mwai Kibaki for business skills and efforts to liberalize the country’s liquor industry.
In 2013, she received the Golden Jubilee Award for exceptional service rendered to the Republic of Kenya by HE President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In 2014 she was awarded the CNBC East Africa Businesswoman of the Year Award and subsequently the CNBC Africa Businesswoman of the Year Award.
On 11th of November 2015, Keroche Breweries Limited won the Africa Transformational Business Award at the 6th Annual Gathering of the African Leadership Network Summit in Marrakesh, Morocco. In the citation, Keroche Breweries was rated as the fastest growing African company.
Mrs. Karanja in her speeches repeatedly avers, “Africa is rising. We can all do it. We must be brave enough to get out of our comfort zones, take risks, think big, be innovative and remain focused on the big picture.”
In May 2014, Mrs Karanja launched the Keroche Foundation. Under Tabitha’s patronage, the Keroche Foundation addresses the knowledge and experience gap that confronts young Kenyan entrepreneurs. The Foundation’s Academy connects top accomplished Kenyan entrepreneurs with young mentees who are inspired, connected and guided towards overcoming personal and business challenges that plague young businesses.
Tabitha is married to Joseph Muigai Karanja. They have two sons and two daughters. Mr. Joseph Karanja serves as the Chairman of Keroche Breweries Limited.